What is the Christmas Bureau?

Christmas can be a difficult time, especially on a limited income. The Christmas Bureau is a program that is 100% supported by the community for the community. With the support of events like Toys for Tots Christmas Brunch and people in our community that sign up to become Christmas Neighbours, we are able to make this program available to our community. Each year the Toy Room is generously stocked with enough gifts to ensure families and seniors can the joy of Christmas morning. In addition, the ingredients for a traditional Christmas meal is made available to each qualified program participant.

The program is reserved for Families with children in their legal care and adults over 60+. An income verification is required before acceptance into the program.

Once accepted into the program, you can expect to receive gifts for the members of your family and the ingredients for a traditional Christmas meal.

The Christmas Bureau has two options for you. Either to be matched with a Christmas Neighbour who will provide direct support to your family or you will be invited to receive gifts and Christmas meal ingredients through the Christmas Bureau’s Toy Room and Christmas Food Basket.

Due to our limited capacity, applications close November 22nd.

This program is located off site, requires application and income verification.

**NEW**If you are currently registered at the Food Bank, please note that applying to the Christmas Bureau program is completely separate from your Food Bank access.

Applications are now CLOSED due to capacity limits.

The Christmas Bureau has two program options.

For enrolment into this program, income verification is required.

**NEW** this program registration will be processed at a new location and will require income verification.

Option 1:

Christmas Bureau’s TOY ROOM & Christmas Food Basket

You will have the opportunity to shop for your children (for free!) in our toy room, fully and graciously stocked by our community. You will also receive ingredients for a Christmas dinner and extra Christmas treats. The Toy Room is located off site. Once you have qualified for the program you will be given 2 dates. 1 date for your toy room shop and 1 date for your Christmas Food Basket shop.

Please note: If you have a Food Bank appointment, this is a separate appointment.
For example: a family accessing food at the food bank and the Christmas Bureau program could have up to 3 appointments in December.

Two appointments will be booked for December for the Christmas Bureau. One for Toy Room and one for Christmas meal ingredient pick up at the Christmas Bureau.

Option 2:

Matched with a Christmas NEIGHBOUR

You can request to be matched with a Neighbour. This means Christmas wish lists (within the guides) including the ingredients for a Christmas dinner, and gifts can be chosen to be delivered to your door or arrange a meet up place. For this, you MUST have a working phone or email to be in contact with the sponsor. If you are not comfortable with a visit from a neighbour, please ask us about options.
This option has limited availability and is dependent upon Neighbours signing up to be matched.

Apply here:

Due to our limited capacity, applications close November 22nd.

Family Application

Senior Application

Program Info Translated

What can I expect after I fill out the application?

Please note: Filling out the application DOES NOT automatically qualify you to be matched with a Christmas Neighbour or enrolled in the Christmas Bureau program. But you will be able to access food at the Food Bank – access to the Food Bank will continue to be monthly.

**Please ensure you are ONLY adding dependent children who are in your care. Unfortunately, we are not sponsoring grandchildren.

  • A staff member will contact you if you need to update your food bank file
    (First time? Find out what you need to qualify click: here)
  • If you are updated you will be contacted when matched.
  • Once your information is confirmed, you will be be booked for a Toy Room date and Christmas Food Basket date.

Please call the Abbotsford Christmas Bureau if you have any questions or concerns.

604-859-5749 ex 40 or 41